New York Rangers Blueshirt Beat, 7/14/17: Mats Zuccarello is a Champion (of Paintball)

May 4, 2017; New York, NY, USA; New York Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist (30) and New York Rangers right wing Mats Zuccarello (36) celebrate after defeating the Ottawa Senators in game four of the second round of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports

ESNY brings you the latest news, rumors, and scores from the New York Rangers. Today features Mats Zuccarello in championship form.

As the summer churns on free agency has ended, trade rumors are dying down, and younger prospects are getting valuable ice time to improve their games.

What do NHL veterans do during these weeks of down time? In between training sessions, the boys are taking advantage of a little time off the ice.

Kevin Shattenkirk added to his exciting summer by signing with the New York Rangers and then promptly getting engaged. Congrats Kevin.

As for Mats Zuccarello, he’s using his time off to become a champion. In Paintball.

A post shared by matszuccarello (@matszuccarello) on Jul 13, 2017 at 9:45am PDT

If Zucc wasn’t already the greatest person on the planet, that Instagram post pretty much solidified it. That’s the face of a man that would go into battle with you. Life or death, he’d be by your side.

Unfortunately, Zuccarello and the New York Rangers are yet to be true champions of the NHL. A Stanley Cup is the only way to solidify a legacy. Hopefully, Mats will be able to hoist the ultimate prize during his time in New York.

Lias Andersson Signs with NYR

New York Rangers first round, seventh overall pick Lias Andersson has officially signed his entry level deal in the NHL. Capfriendly is reporting that his three-year contract is worth a total of $2.75 million with an annual cap hit of $925,000 per year. The deal is one of the many contracts Lias is to enjoy during his NHL career.

Lias Andersson in his limited time with Blueshirts has shown his versatile skills, skating abilities, and slick hands. He also seems to have a knack for leadership as seen by his wired up session from prospect camp.

Other Rangers News, Stories:

Dave Caldwell of ESPN talks about the Rangers Stanley Cup title window closing

Are the New York Rangers a treat in the improved Metropolitan Division? Check out this ESNY article to find out.